SINGLE REVIEW: VENUS GRRRLS - Sudocream Queen (2023)
Born from Riot Grrrl, VENUS GRRRLS are an all-female alternative rock band from Leeds. From twinkling synth motifs to raspy guitar lines, the girls present the dark yet empowering discourse surrounding their own synergistic experiences.
“Sudocream Queen (2023)” is a re-release of the 2021 track of the same name appearing on the 2021 Potions EP. It is a self-empowering song, derived from the act of applying cream on acne every night. It tackles issues of body image and rebuilding those relationships as well as dealing with pressures and perceptions of others on ones’ own body. It also carries a strong message of loving yourself and your inner child.
As soon as you hit play the percussion, angelic vocals and shimmering synth come in then later accompanied by fuzzy bass and distorted guitars and thicker buzzing synth.
I adore the breakdown. It really highlights creative effects in the vocals to emphasize the message and emotion before bursting back into empowerment.
Comparing the 2021 track to this one the production quality hits deeper levels and minor differences in panning and overall cleaner quality.
When I hear and think of the VENUS GRRRLS I think of the fictional band “The Hex Girls” From the 1999 Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost, which is a high compliment! To expand, they both have a mystical aura about them and the listener is wanting to be like them and they carry a strong set of values and are role models to younger girls.
I believe the newest release of Sudocream Queen is only the beginning of what the VENUS GRRRLS have planned for the future.
